Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts are an easy, delicious fall treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Using a simple box of spice cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, and a few other basic ingredients, you can make soft, flavorful donuts with a tender crumb. These donuts are finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that adds the perfect sweet crunch. Serve them warm for a comforting treat that everyone will love!
These Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts are soft, flavorful, and topped with a cinnamon sugar coating that makes them irresistible. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these quick and easy fall treats!
INGREDIENTS
- Spice cake mix (1 - 15.25 ounce box): The base of these donuts, providing the perfect blend of fall spices.
- Pumpkin puree (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a hint of pumpkin flavor, without making the donuts too heavy. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Eggs (2): Helps bind the ingredients together and gives structure to the donuts.
- Melted butter (3 tablespoons, for the batter): Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
FOR THE CINNAMON/SUGAR TOPPING
- Sugar (¾ cup): Provides the sweetness for the topping.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and spices in the donuts.
- Melted unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to the donuts after they are baked.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent the donuts from sticking.
- Step 2:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, and melted butter. Mix well until fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the donut batter into a plastic pastry bag. Twist the end of the bag to close and snip one corner with scissors.
- Step 4:
- Gently squeeze the batter into each well of the donut pan, filling them about ¾ of the way full.
- Step 5:
- Use a butter knife to smooth the tops of the donut batter if needed, ensuring even cooking.
- Step 6:
- Bake the donuts for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Step 8:
- In a shallow bowl, stir together the sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
- Step 9:
- Brush each donut with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly.
- Step 10:
- Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or your favorite fall beverage.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These donuts are best served warm, right after being coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider for a cozy fall breakfast or snack.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- If needed, reheat the donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their softness before serving.
Helpful Notes
- You can substitute the spice cake mix with a yellow or vanilla cake mix if you prefer a less spiced donut.
- Make sure to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter has added sugars and spices that may alter the flavor and texture of the donuts.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these as muffins instead, though the texture may be slightly different.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Lisa suggests adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra decadent twist on these donuts.
- Pastry Chef Ryan recommends adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for some extra crunch.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- These donuts are incredibly easy to make thanks to the cake mix shortcut.
- The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon sugar makes them a perfect fall treat.
- They are baked, not fried, making them a slightly lighter option compared to traditional donuts.
VARIATIONS
- Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
- You can swap the cinnamon sugar coating for a maple glaze for a different flavor profile.